Community Pharmacy Network Specialist

Job Highlight

This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to a significant health systems strengthening initiative in Bangladesh, working closely with government and international partners. The position offers exposure to national health policy development, pharmaceutical supply chain management, and capacity building within the pharmacy sector, with the potential to make a lasting impact on public health outcomes.

Role Purpose
The purpose of this consultancy is to develop a comprehensive concept paper outlining the establishment of a community pharmacy network in Bangladesh. The paper should incorporate best practices from regional models, tailored to the local context, to ensure effective implementation and sustainability.

Objectives of the Assignment

• To review the existing situation of the current landscape of community pharmacies in Bangladesh, including distribution, regulatory frameworks, and service offerings.
• Propose a concept on the structure of the Pharmacy network in Bangladesh, including capacity building, regulatory, and accreditation systems to ensure quality standards and compliance within the network.

Functions / Key Results Expected
The consultant will undertake the following tasks:

• Situational Analysis:
• current landscape of community pharmacies in Bangladesh, including distribution, regulatory frameworks, and service offerings.
• Identify operational challenges such as inventory management, supply chain issues, and regulatory compliance.
• Assess the current regulatory framework governing community pharmacies.
• Literature Review:
• Conduct a review of existing community pharmacy models in the region to draw good practices.
• Analyze the applicability of these models to the Bangladeshi context, considering socio-economic and infrastructural factors.
• Model Development:
• Design a community pharmacy network model suitable for Bangladesh, incorporating lessons learned from regional experiences.
• Develop a phased implementation strategy, prioritizing regions based on need and feasibility.
• Standards and Regulatory Recommendations, including monitoring:
• Good Pharmacy Practice Standards for the Participating Pharmacies
• Propose an accreditation and regulatory framework to ensure the quality and safety of services within the network, and a comprehensive framework for monitoring.
• The consultant will work under the overall supervision of the Health Services Division (MoHFW) and the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), in close coordination with the Special Assistant and his team, as well as the WHO Country Office (Team Lead – Health Systems and Technical Officer, EDM. Regular progress updates and deliverables will be reviewed jointly.
• Training Framework:
• Develop a training and capacity-building plan for pharmacy personnel.

Expected Deliverables:

S.No.

Activities

Deliverables

Timeline

1

Situational Assessment and Data Collection –

Conduct desk review, field consultations, and analysis of the existing status of community pharmacies, service coverage, licensing, and regulatory oversight mechanisms.

Situational Analysis Report –

Comprehensive assessment of the current state of community pharmacies in Bangladesh, including service gaps, compliance issues, and opportunities for strengthening.

Day 1–8

2

Design of Community Pharmacy Network Model –

Develop a detailed concept paper outlining the proposed community pharmacy network model, covering regulatory frameworks, service standards, integration with primary healthcare, and implementation strategies.

Concept Paper –

Structured document proposing the community pharmacy network model, including governance structure, operational mechanisms, and regulatory requirements.

Day 9–15

3

Capacity-Building Framework Development –

Prepare a structured plan for the training and professional development of pharmacy personnel to support the implementation of the network.

Training Plan –

Comprehensive plan for capacity building of pharmacy staff, including curriculum outline, training modalities, and institutional delivery arrangements.

Day 16–20

Required
Education Requirements

• Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in Public Health, Pharmacy, Health Systems Management, or a related field.

*Required
Experience Requirements*

• Minimum 5 years of relevant professional experience in pharmacy practice, health systems strengthening, or pharmaceutical policy.
• Proven experience in designing and implementing pharmacy network models, preferably in low- and middle-income countries.
• Familiarity with regulatory frameworks governing community pharmacies.
• Strong analytical, conceptual, and report-writing skills.
• Excellent facilitation and communication abilities.
• Proficiency in data analysis and modeling tools.

Desired

• Experience working with government health institutions and development partners.